Misc.

With only 24 hours in a day, there really is only so much we can accomplish. Of course, we CAN work to increase our productivity and improve our efficiency, but there are times when we simply have to cut corners and give less than 100% effort in order to fit it all in.

I am personally more of a “do more at less than 100% effort” — but there are certainly pros and cons for each side. I’d love to have you weigh in with what works best for you!

I’ve been fascinated by personality types ever since I took my first Myers Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) personality test in high school. It’s amazing to me how accurately the results of this test explain my personality, my strengths, and my weaknesses.

Those of you who have read my blog for years and years might remember the very first time I shared BANDI belts with you, 5 years ago! Since then, my collection of BANDI belts has grown to 3 belts, all of which I wear on a regular basis.

The BANDI belts are so handy when I’m heading to the park with the kids, going for a bike ride, or doing yard work. They allow me to keep my essentials handy without lugging a bag around or having stuff fall out of my pockets — score! I’m giving a couple BANDI belts away in today’s post! Come enter to win!

For most of my life — even as a very young child — I’ve struggled with occasional to regular Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS).

Although there is no cure for RLS, there are ways to alleviate so many of the symptoms. Today, I’m sharing 5 of the things that have worked for me over the years — as well as a few bonus tips that have worked for various friends and family members!

If you would question me about being “brand loyal”, I would most likely tell you I’m NOT. However, over the years I’ve become more and more brand loyal as I find specific brands I love, that my kids prefer, and that seem to work better for me.

SO….. in honor of my birthday, I thought it might be fun to share some of the things I’m willing to spend more on JUST to get the brand I’ve come to love.

Whether you’re trying to start a new business, get more organized, make more time for yourself, increase your productivity, or decrease your debt, there will always be times when you are super motivated, and other times when you’re not.

While I truly do think it would be impossible to get through life (or even one day) without ever comparing yourself, your home, or your life to someone or something, I’m also convinced that so many people today are ruining their own lives by CONSTANTLY comparing themselves to other people’s lives — and only the parts of other’s lives they can see.

Today I’m sharing more about comparison and why I try really hard to be content with what I’m good at instead of stressing about improving the areas I’m not good at.

I was recently thinking about all the times in my life when I choose “the next best” instead of the “best” because it’s faster, easier, cheaper, and more fitting with my current stage of life.

As I pondered all these “next best” choices, I realized these choices are one of the reasons my life is simpler, less stressed, less chaotic, less busy, and less full. I’m elaborating more on this today!

For me (and for the rest of our family) having a simplified home environment goes a long way in simplifying our lives — however it’s not the ONLY factor.

I’ve taken many steps to simplify and streamline my life as much as I possibly can, and (along with keeping our home environment relatively simple) there are a few concrete things I do in order to simplify. I’m sharing those today!

If I’m really honest with myself, I’m not naturally a super “content” person. I would much rather work towards a goal — and while I don’t necessarily think it’s bad to strive for more, it does get tiring after a while, and I think it robs us of happiness.

Over the past few months, I’ve thought quite a bit about what exactly I do to (try and) be more content… and I came up with 3 super simple concepts that seem to help me.

Instead of sharing cute Valentine’s craft ideas, decorating ideas, gift ideas, recipe ideas, or other ideas that take time, effort, energy, money, and a decent amount of planning ahead, I thought I’d share 14 simple ways we can show OURSELVES a little extra love over the next few weeks, months, and even years!

Several years ago, I put together a large binder filled with ALL our important documents and information — basically a handbook for anyone who might need to step in and “run our lives” if we were unable to, for whatever reason.

Today, I’m sharing how I put this binder together, how I keep it updated… AND a free printable worksheet so YOU can get your important papers in order too!